His posture changed subtly as though the audience had arrived. Evan lifted his phone a little higher. Tyler's voice became louder. Maya, nobody's threatening you. She stared at him.
I didn't say you were. Then why are you acting like this? Maya understood immediately. He was not speaking to her. He was speaking to the camera.
More students appeared. A woman in medical scrubs. Two men carrying backpacks. An older student with a laptop bag. Nobody came closer.
Nobody left either. Maya looked from one face to another. Some looked worried. Some looked uncomfortable. One man raised his phone, then another.
The silence gathered around her. "Move," Maya said again. Mason stepped into her path. Or what? Maya took one slow breath.
I am trying to leave. Tyler gave a short laugh. See? He looked toward the students. She always does.
This makes everything sound dramatic. Maya's jaw tightened. Evan kept filming. Mason leaned closer. You think you're better than everybody here?
No, sure act like it. I said move. Mason bumped her shoulder. Not enough to send her down enough to make her shift her weight. A few people in the crowd murmured.
Maya steadied herself. She did not raise her hands. Don't touch me. Tyler turned slightly toward Evan's phone. There, that's what I'm talking about.
Mia looked at him. What exactly are you talking about? The aggression. Maya almost laughed. Instead, she said, "I am standing here asking you to let me leave."
Tyler shrugged, "Then leave." Ma stepped forward. Mason blocked her. A woman in the crowd whispered, "Come on." Mia heard it.
For a moment, hope rose. Then the woman looked away. Nobody moved. Maya felt something colder than fear. Disappointment.
She had seen this before. Not this hallway. Not these men, but the silence. People waiting for cruelty to become obvious enough that helping would no longer cost them anything. Mason shoved her harder this time.
Maya took one step backward. Her sports bag slipped from her shoulder. She caught the strap. Evan's phone stayed fixed on her face. Tyler said, "Maya, calm down."